Eminönü
Immerse yourself in the bustling Eminönü, where busy bazaars, historic landmarks, and stunning waterfront views await.
What to see: Süleymaniye Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque, İstanbul Archaeological Museums, Spice Bazaar, and the Princes’ Island.
Click to learn more about the neighbourhood!
Balat Colorful Houses
The decades-old wooden houses, painted in bright, colourful hues, are home to generations of diverse communities within Balat—and make the perfect backdrop for snapping photos for your socials. Relax at charming local cafes, diners, or even on the steps of the houses themselves to take in the view!
Fethiye (Pammakaristos Church) Mosque/Museum
Fethiye Mosque, once the Pammakaristos Church, is famed for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and breathtaking 14th-century parekklesion, where intricate mosaics depict Christ and saints. Once the seat of the Patriarchate, it later became a mosque, and eventually a museum.
Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamam
Built during Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s reign, the site was restored in 2015. It features original marble basins, domed hot rooms, and many incredible interior designs. Once abandoned, it now thrives as a cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions, performances, and exclusive events.
St. Stephens of the Bulgars church
One of the few remaining iron churches in the world, St. Stephen of the Bulgars Church is a gleaming example of 19th-century prefabricated iron architecture.
Greek Orthodox High School
Known by nicknames such as "The Red Castle" and "The Red School," this iconic landmark is the oldest surviving and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Ortaköy
Ortaköy is a charming neighbourhood known for its historic mansions like Esma Sultan and Fehime Sultan, and landmarks such as Ortaköy Mosque and Hagia Focas Church.
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the lively market and waterfront cafés, and see the stunning Bosphorus views!
Yıldız Park
With a dedicated running track, playgrounds, a century-old porcelain factory, and lush greenery with lakes, this park offers the perfect escape from urban life and is a weekend hotspot.
Love being close to nature? Some more spots to visit in İstanbul >
Beylerbeyi Palace
Once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and a home for foreign diplomats, Beylerbeyi Palace boasts magnificent interiors with decorated walls, elaborate furniture, and French Baccarat chandeliers.
Bosphorus
The Bosphorus Strait stretches across İstanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and splitting the city into two continents. Along its coastline, you’ll find picturesque neighborhoods, historic mansions, and beautiful waterfront views.
Don’t forget to book yourself a Bosphorus Cruise for the stunning view!
Bosphorus Bridge
The joining hands that connect between Asia and Europe, the Bosphorus Bridge—also known as the “Pearl of the Straits”—is a prominent element of İstanbul’s skyline. By night, its colourful illuminations make it a favourite spot for travellers seeking the perfect photo!
Dolmabahçe Palace
Beyond its magnificent gates, lush gardens, a Clock Tower and Mosque frame the palace's stunning architecture. Inside, traveller will find gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, crystal staircase and hundreds of luxurious rooms.
In tribute to Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye, all clocks in the palace are stopped at 9:05, forever marking the moment of his passing.
Ortaköy Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
The Ortaköy Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, with its ornate stone façade, pink mosaic dome, and slender minarets, stands by the Bosphorus. The mosque is composed of a Harim (sanctum sanctorum) and a Hünkar Kasrı (sultan's summer palace), blending architectural elegance with historical significance.
Karaköy
Climb the famed Galata Tower, visit the street where the head of Vlad the Impaler was once displayed (allegedly), or simply explore the streets on foot for an immersive experience!
Where else to go beyond the Galata Tower: Voyvoda Caddesi, the SALT Galata art gallery, Nusretiye Mosque, Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque, and more.
Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern, Türkiye’s first modern and contemporary art museum, collects, preserves, and exhibits artworks from Türkiye and beyond. It features galleries for modern art, photography, and emerging artists, alongside exhibitions, educational programs, and interdisciplinary projects.
Grand Bazaar
A shopper’s paradise, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of vibrant streets brimming with treasures. With more than 4,000 shops, it offers everything from handmade jewellery and colourful textiles to intricate carpets, fragrant spices, and unique antiques, all surrounded by the charm of centuries-old inns.
Liking the buzz? Visit Spice Bazaar as well >
Beyoğlu Culture Route Festival
From Galataport to Taksim Square, this path will take you to see iconic architectural structures of İstanbul, including the Atatürk Cultural Centre, Taksim Mosque, Galata Tower, Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum, Tarık Zafer Tunaya Cultural Centre, and the İstanbul Cinema Museum!
Çiçek Pasajı
By day, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll under Çiçek Pasajı’s beautifully arched ceilings while sipping Turkish coffee or savoring local delicacies. As night falls, the passage transforms into a lively social hub filled with music, laughter, and delicious dining experiences.
The Pera Museum
The Pera Museum showcases Turkish culture through ancient artifacts, Oriental paintings, and contemporary art, offering a platform for emerging and established artists within its beautifully preserved Ottoman-Roman architecture.